Detecting superimposed information channels for modem connections

ABSTRACT

A first transceiver transmits a set of test levels to a second transceiver as a signal through a communication channel as encoded samples and subjected to one or more of a plurality of line encoding algorithms. An information channel is superimposed in the signal transmitted through the communication channel. The second transceiver determines line encoding with, and conversion between, the companding laws present in the communication channel based on the received set of test signals. The set of test levels are signals having levels determined based on the difference between the normalized amplitude, vertex, or energy curves for the types of companding laws, with or without accounting for other sources of network distortion. Encoded samples representing the transmitted test levels are reconstructed by the second transceiver in accordance with the one or more detected line encoding algorithms, the encoded samples for each of the set of test levels packed into a corresponding sample cell. The encoded samples in a sample cell are compared with one another to form a tentative decision of the sample cell for the presence or absence of the superimposed information channel; and each tentative decision for different sample cells are compared to detect the presence or absence of the superimposed information channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is one of a related set of U.S. patent applicationsfiled Mar. 16, 2000 as Ser. Nos. 09/527,011, 09/527,009 and 09/527,008,the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. Thisapplication is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/296,516 filed Apr. 22, 1999, the teachings of which are alsoincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to transmission of encoded data in atelecommunications system, and, more particularly, to detection oftelecommunication line encoding and superimposed information channels indata connections.

2. Description of the Related Art

Telecommunication systems commonly employ modulation and encoding ofanalog signals prior to transmission through a network. Such analogsignals are typically voice or voiceband data signals. Voice signals aregenerated by modulating an electrical signal by the acoustic (voice)signal, while voiceband data signals are generated by modulating anelectrical signal such as a carrier with the data. Pulse modulation maythen be employed to combine the analog signal with discrete,unit-amplitude pulses before transmission over a telecommunicationchannel. In pulse amplitude modulation (PAM), the analog signal variesthe amplitude of the discrete, unit-amplitude pulses, while, in pulsewidth modulation (PWM), the analog signal varies the length, in time, ofthe discrete, unit-amplitude pulses. The original pulse stream isrelatively easy for a receiver to detect and regenerate from the signalsreceived from an ideal telecommunication channel. However, since noiseand line attenuation/distortion of a real transmission medium (alsocalled the channel response) alters the pulse-modulated signal as itpasses through the medium, telecommunication systems typically employdigital transmission techniques. One such digital transmission techniqueis pulse code modulation (PCM), in which the analog signal is sampledand quantized using discrete digital levels. Typically, 2^(n) discretelevels are employed in telecommunication systems (e.g., using 8 bits,n=8, allowing for 256 discrete levels, with the distance between levelstermed quantizing steps).

For a given method of quantizing, each sample of the analog signal isapproximated to the nearest discrete level, and the digital valuerepresenting the level is transmitted to the receiver. However, sincethe amplitude of the analog signal and the discrete level of PCM areusually not the same value, the difference between the amplitude of theanalog signal and the discrete level of PCM, termed the quantizingerror, introduces additional noise into the transmitted signal. Thisquantizing error introduces noise into the subsequently reconstructedvoice or voiceband data signal at the receiver. For PCM using linearquantizing, the increments between the discrete levels are the same(i.e., the quantizing steps are equivalent). However, for linearquantizing, the quantizing noise is not uniform for all analog signalamplitudes because the low amplitude signals experience largerquantizing noise than the high amplitude signals. Consequently, linearquantizing for signals with high dynamic range but with a highpercentage of low-amplitude signal (such as encoded speech) has arelatively low (poor) signal-to-quantization noise ratio.

Non-linear quantizing with tapered quantizing steps may be employed tocompensate for the poor signal-to-quantization noise ratio of linearquantizing. Equivalently, the input signal may be weighted and linearquantizing to achieve the same result. This non-uniform predistortionprocess, termed companding, compresses larger signal amplitudes, and areceiver then reverses the companding process. Telecommunication systemstypically employ a logarithmic companding law. In some countries, suchas the United States, PCM line encoding of an analog signal employs acompanding function, termed μ-law, as given in equation (1):$\begin{matrix}{e_{O} = {{\frac{\log \left( {1 + {\mu \quad e_{i}}} \right)}{\log \left( {1 + \mu} \right)}\quad 0} \leq e_{i} \leq 1}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

where e_(o)is the output signal value, e_(i) is the normalized inputsignal value, and μ is a constant. Other countries, such as Europe,employ a different companding function, termed A-law, and are given inequation (2): $\begin{matrix}{e_{O} = \left\{ \begin{matrix}\frac{{Ae}_{i}}{1 + {\log (A)}} & {{{if}\quad 0} \leq e_{i} \leq \frac{1}{A}} \\\frac{1 + {\log \left( {Ae}_{i} \right)}}{1 + {\log (A)}} & {{{if}\quad \frac{1}{A}} \leq e_{i} \leq 1}\end{matrix} \right.} & (2)\end{matrix}$

where e_(o) is the output signal value, e_(i) is the normalized inputsignal value, and μ is a constant greater than 1. Since voice andvoiceband data signals are often transmitted between different systemsusing either μ-law or A-law, telecommunication networks provide forreformatting (encoding conversion) between the two companding functions.

Encoding conversion may be between networks employing A-law encoding andnetworks employing μ-law encoding. Such encoding conversion may beimplemented within a network as a simple mapping between A-law and μ-lawlevels (i.e., a mapping between A-law and μ-law encoded sample values).As would be apparent to one skilled in the art, such mapping may addsignal distortion from quantization error. For example, during aninitial encoding, samples of an analog signal may be mapped tocorresponding μ-law levels, which are subsequently mapped to A-lawlevels during encoding conversion. Since A-law encoding and μ-lawencoding are non-linear companding methods, two μ-law levels may map tothe same A-law level. Consequently, quantization error may be added tothe original signal reconstructed from the sequence of A-law levels whencertain μ-law quantizing level information is lost.

For PCM systems in some countries, such as the United States, voice orvoiceband data channels are subject to PCM encoding and grouped by timemultiplexing into twenty-four 8-bit channels (192 bits). One framing bitis appended to this group of 192 bits to form a T1 format of 193bits/frame. The pattern of framing bits received over several frames(e.g., twelve T1 frames) may be employed for T1 line framing and timingsynchronization, as well as for line bit error rate (BER) calculation.The voice and voiceband data signals are typically sampled at 8 kHz, soeach T1 frame is transmitted at 1.544 Mb/sec. Similar formats exist inother countries, such as the E1 frame comprising thirty 8-bit channelsplus framing bits transmitted at 2.048 Mb/sec. Signaling forset-up/tear-down of connections, or other slow-speed network datachannels, may be superimposed on the T1 frame (termed herein as“superimposed information channels”). For example, for robbed-bitsignaling (RBS), a low-rate signaling channel may be formed by replacingthe least significant bit (LSB) of each 8-bit channel with a signalingbit of the low-rate signaling channel for every sixth T1 frametransmitted. For RBS using two signaling bits, the period of the RBSinformation channel is twelve T1 frames. For RBS using four signalingbits, the period of the RBS information channel is twenty-four T1 frames(the pattern of T1 framing bits over twenty-four frames also defines aT1 superframe).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to detection of a information channel,such as robbed bit signalling (RBS), superimposed in a signal passedthrough a telecommunication channel between a pair of transceivers. Thesignal is subject to a companding law used for line encoding, andpossibly conversion between line encodings having different compandinglaws, between a pair of transceivers. Such detection may be accomplishedthrough a set of test levels that are transmitted from one transceiverto the other transceiver of the pair. The transceiver receiving the setof test levels transmitted through the telecommunication channelcompares normalized received test levels with expected, normalized,ideal values to detect one or more of the transmission linecharacteristics, including line encoding and encoding conversion. Analogsignal levels used for the test levels are determined based on thedetected line encoding companding laws and the particular transmissionline characteristic to be detected (e.g., RBS). The transceiverreceiving the set of test levels reconstructs the samples of the testlevels and compares each sample to one another to detect whether thesuperimposed information channel is present.

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a superimposedinformation channel is detected in a signal transmitted through atelecommunication channel as encoded samples and subjected to one ormore of a plurality of line encoding algorithms. One or more lineencoding algorithms are detected based on a set of test levels; and theencoded samples are reconstructed for the set of test levels inaccordance with the one or more detected line encoding algorithms, theencoded samples for each of the set of test levels packed into acorresponding sample cell. The encoded samples in a sample cell arecompared with one another to form a tentative decision of the samplecell for the presence or absence of the superimposed informationchannel; and each tentative decision for different sample cells arecompared to detect the presence or absence of the superimposedinformation channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following detailed description, theappended claims, and the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a system of interconnected transceivers, such as modems,employing exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a graph of normalized μ-law and A-law curves versus indexvalue used to define the set of test levels of a first exemplaryimplementation of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary method of determining μ-law or A-law lineencoding employing the graph of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 shows a graph of normalized μ-law and A-law vertex curves versusindex value used to define a set of test level's of a second exemplaryimplementation of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary method of determining line encoding based ondistance measure comparison and employing the graph of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method of determining line encoding based onenergy detection under μ-law and A-law vertex curves for a thirdexemplary implementation of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a method of detecting a superimposedinformation channel as may be employed with exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 8 shows a modem transmit constellation before and after adjustmentin accordance with an exemplary implementation of the present invention;and

FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of modem constellation adjustment for encodingconversion, line impairments, and superimposed information channelsdetected in accordance with the methods of FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates several different types of network connections havingtransceivers operating in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention. A first transceiver 102 communicates with one or moreof transceivers 108, 113, and 118, although one skilled in the art wouldrealize that any number of other connections may be possible.Transceivers 102, 108, 113, and 118 are generally capable ofbi-directional communication with each other. For the followingdescribed embodiments, communication is described in the forwarddirection from a source (e.g., first transceiver 102 transmits a signal)to a destination (e.g., the other transceivers 108, 113, and 118 receivethe signal). As would be apparent to one skilled in the art,communication in the reverse direction may be accomplished in ananalogous manner.

For the telecommunication system shown in FIG. 1, transceivers 102, 108,113, and 118 are generally customer premise equipment, such as modems.Also for telecommunication systems, the communication over line 107 withcodec 103, over line 106 between transceiver 102 and codec 105, overline 112 between transceiver 113 and with codec 111, and over line 117between transceiver 118 and with codec 116 may each define a separatesubscriber loop. Each modem includes a processor or other circuitry formodulating (demodulating) a signal to generate (receive) transmitteddata and test levels. For example, processor 150 of transceiver 108includes a demodulator 151 and modulator 154. Processor 150 alsoincludes comparator 152 to generate a comparison of combinations of testlevels with a decision metric and detector 153 to detect transmissioncharacteristics. These functions associated with comparator 152 anddetector 153 are described subsequently for exemplary implementations ofthe present invention.

In the first connection, transceiver 102 communicates with secondtransceiver 108. Codec 103 encodes the voiceband data signal inaccordance with first companding law CL1 (first line encoding), such asμ-law pulse code modulation (PCM). The encoded signal from codec 103 isin turn provided to first telecommunication network 104. The encodedsignal from first telecommunication network 104 is provided to codec105. Codec 105 supports the first line encoding and reverses theencoding in accordance with the first companding law CL1 to generate areconstructed analog signal provided to the second transceiver 108 overanalog line 106. The analog signal from first transceiver 102 may besubject to line attenuation or distortion when passing over analog line107. The analog signal from codec 105 to second transceiver 108 may bealso subject to line attenuation or distortion when passing over analogline 106. First transceiver 102 may be a modem generating an analogsignal, which may be voiceband data, that is provided to coder/decoder(codec) 103.

In the second connection, transceiver 102 communicates with thirdtransceiver 113. The encoded signal from first telecommunication network104 is converted by converter 109 from first line encoding in accordancewith the first companding law CL1 to second line encoding in accordancewith the second companding law CL2. The output signal from converter 109is provided to second telecommunication network 110. Converter 109represents the one or more different encoding conversions that may takeplace between one or more additional networks, and one skilled in theart would recognize that this particular encoding conversion isexemplary only, and that multiple intermediate encoding conversions mayalternatively take place. Second telecommunication network 110 supportsthe second companding law CL2 and provides the encoded signal generatedby converter 109 to codec 111. Codec 111 supports line encoding with thesecond companding law CL2. Codec 111 reverses the encoding in accordancewith the second companding law CL2 to generate a reconstructed analogsignal provided to the third transceiver 113 over analog line 112. Forthis second connection, distortion from encoding conversion (109)between different companding laws takes place in the communicationchannel between telecommunication networks 104 and 110, in addition toany line attenuation or distortion that may be added by analog line 112.

In the third connection, transceiver 102 communicates with fourthtransceiver 118. Third telecommunication network 115 supports asuperimposed information channel, such as robbed-bit signaling (RBS).First telecommunication network 104 provides the encoded signalgenerated by transceiver 102 to RBS converter 114 before the encodedsignal is passed to the third telecommunication network 115. RBSconverter 114 may be a network element that generates and interpretssignaling or other connection supervisory information superimposed onthe signal transmitted from transceiver 102 that adds distortion to thesignal reconstructed by transceiver 118. Third telecommunication network115, in turn, provides the encoded signal with RBS to codec 116 whichreverses the encoding to generate a reconstructed analog signal providedto the fourth transceiver 118 over analog line 117. Codec 116 alsogenerates and interprets signaling or other connection supervisoryinformation.

Also shown in FIG. 1 is digital modem 120. As would be apparent to oneskilled in the art, digital modem 120 may perform operations similar totransceiver 102 and codec 103 without requiring an analog signal passingthrough an analog line such as line 107. While the exemplary embodimentsare described using transceivers and codecs, the present invention isnot so limited, and digital modem to analog modem, digital modem todigital modem, and analog modem to digital modem communication pathconnections may exist in a network. Such digital and analog modems mayoperate in accordance with one or more implementations of the presentinvention described herein.

In the source and destination transceiver connections of FIG. 1, each ofthe transceivers 102, 108, 113, and 118 detect line encoding supportedby the respective codec (e.g., transceiver 113 detects line encodingbetween telecommunication network 110 and telecommunication network110/codec 111). For a first type of connection in FIG. 1, no conversionbetween different companding laws takes place. The first and secondtransceivers 102 and 108 establish a communication channel thatcompensates for line attenuation and distortion, and possibly fordistortion introduced by encoding with the particular shared type ofcompanding law (in this case CL1). For a second type of connection,first and third transceivers 102 and 113 detect and compensate for theconversion in line encoding between first and second companding laws CL1and CL2 codec (e.g., line encoding conversion 109 betweentelecommunication network 104 and codec 111). For a third connection,superimposed information channel (e.g., robbed-bit signaling or RBSinterference) is added in addition to conversion between differentcompanding laws, if required (not shown in FIG. 1), and in addition toany line attenuation and distortion that may occur. For this connection,first and fourth transceivers 102 and 118 detect and compensate for thepresence or absence of RBS. In addition, all transceivers 102, 108, 113,and 118 may adjust the signal constellation of the analog signals usedto transmit data. Such adjustment of signal constellations may be basedon detected line encoding conversion, superimposed information channelinterference, and/or line impairments.

For the following description of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, line encoding with the first companding law CL1 is referredto as μ-law encoding, while line encoding with the second companding lawCL2 is referred to as A-law encoding. One skilled in the art willreadily recognize that these companding laws are exemplary only arid thetechniques described herein may be extended to networks employing otherforms of quantizing or weighting of sampled analog input signals. Forexample, Type B codecs are also employed, and type B codecs quantizewith levels formed from the average between A-law and μ-law compandinglaw levels.

For the following description of exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention, first transceiver 102 is a source modem employing a set oftest levels, such as a set of pulse code modulation (PCM) test levels.The set of test levels is transmitted to a destination modem (e.g.,second, third, or fourth transceiver 108, 113, or 118) during a modemtraining phase. The destination modem receives and measures thetransmitted set of PCM test levels to determine if 1) μ-law lineencoding or A-law line encoding is present in the subscriber loop; 2) aninformation channel is superimposed (e.g., RBS is present); and/or 3)the signal is subject to line attenuation. The set of PCM test levels ispredefined and generated in accordance with the present invention basedon transmission characteristics of the channel and the encodingcharacteristics of the companding laws. Signal processing by either thesource modem, destination modem, or both source and destination modemsmay employ one or more look-up tables to translate digital sample valuesof the transmitted or received analog constellation signals intoadjusted digital sample values to compensate for distortion.

A pair of transceivers (i.e., two modems in bi-directionalcommunication) operating in accordance with certain implementations ofthe present invention may detect encoding conversion in thecommunication channel between the source and destination modems. Suchmodems may be operating in accordance with a standard, such as the v.90and v.92 standards, defining training signals, signal constellations,protocols, or other communication channel set-up/supervisioninformation. Referring to FIG. 1, during the training phase fortransceivers 102 and 113, first transceiver 102 (acting as a sourcemodem) sends a set of PCM test levels to third transceiver 113 (actingas a destination modem). Third transceiver 113 then detects lineencoding between telecommunication network 110 and codec 111 asdescribed subsequently with respect to the exemplary implementations ofthe present invention. Similarly, during the training phase, thirdtransceiver 113 (acting as a source modem) sends a set of PCM testlevels to first transceiver 102 (acting as a destination modem). Firsttransceiver 102 then detects line encoding between telecommunicationnetwork 104 and codec 103. After the training phase between the firstand third transceivers, they may exchange information about theirrespective line encoding formats.

For a first implementation, the set of PCM test levels is defined fordetecting μ-law encoding or A-law line encoding on a connection betweena telecommunication network and a codec. FIG. 2 shows a graph ofnormalized μ-law and A-law curves versus index value (input signallevel) used to define the set of PCM test levels for the firstimplementation. Each value on the μ-law and A-law curves is thecompressed signal level generated by encoding the corresponding indexvalue with the corresponding companding law. The set of PCM test levelsincludes index values n0 through nL, with n0 being the index value thatgenerates a value common in both μ-law and A-law curves (i.e., theintersection). Each of the remaining set of PCM test levels (n1 throughnL) are selected as input sample levels for which there is an increasingdifference between the corresponding μ-law and A-law curve values. Someimplementations may select input sample levels for which there is adecreasing difference between the corresponding μ-law and A-law curvevalues, but for these implementations the remaining set of PCM testlevels may have low signal-to-noise ratio at a receiver.

Since PCM test level n0 is the input index value that generates thecommon value both μ-law and A-law curves, a destination modem may employthe received PCM test level x0 corresponding to transmitted PCM testlevel n0 to normalize other received PCM test levels x1 through xL. Thecorresponding normalized received levels, denoted y1 through yL, maythen be compared to ideal normalized values of the μ-law curve (yu1through yuL) and to ideal normalized values of the A-law curve (ya1through yaL) for index values n1-nL to detect whether μ-law or A-lawline encoding is used. Modems may then exchange information aboutdetected line encoding at each end of the communication channel todetermine if encoding conversion is present.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary method of determining μ-law encoding or A-lawencoding for the first implementation. First, at step 301 the sourcemodem transmits the set of PCM test levels n0 through nL. through thecommunication channel (e.g., over one or more telecommunicationnetworks) to a destination modem. At step 302 the destination modemreceives the transmitted set of PCM test levels as received levels x0through xL. At step 303 the destination modem forms the set ofnormalized receive levels y1 through yL, where yi is xi/x0 and 1≦i≦L.The set of normalized receive levels y1 through yL forms a measurevector Ym, where Ym is {y1, y2, . . . , yL}. The set of ideal normalizedμ-law curve levels (yu1 through yuL) and the set of ideal normalizedA-law curve levels (ya1 through yaL) may form ideal μ-law vector Yu andideal A-law vector Ya, respectively. The normalized values for idealμ-law vector Yu and ideal A-law vector Ya are determined by dividing theμ-law and A-law curve levels in FIG. 2 at n1 through nL by the level atn0).

At step 304, the error measure du between the measure vector Ym and theideal μ-law vector Yu and the error measure da between the measuredvector Ym and ideal A-law vector Ya are calculated. For the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 3, the error measure is calculated as the meansquared error (i.e., du=E|Yu−Ym|² and da=E|Ya−Ym|², where=|*| denotesthe mathematical term expected value). For a specific implementation,multiple digital samples are taken for each test level, and suchcalculation may typically be employed in the digital domain. At step 305the error measures du and da are compared. If da is less than du, thenA-law is detected as the line encoding; otherwise, μ-law is detected asthe line encoding.

For a second implementation, a set of PCM test levels is defined fordetecting μ-law or A-law line encoding when one or more additional lineimpairments, such as μ-law/A-law conversion, line attenuation, and/orRBS, are present within the communication channel. FIG. 4 shows a graphof normalized μ-law and A-law vertex curves versus index value when thetransmission characteristics of a network are simulated and measured.The μ-law and A-law vertex curves represent typical areas in whichcompanding levels reconstructed at a destination modem may range whenμ-law/A-law conversion, line attenuation, and/or RBS is present withinthe communication channel between the source and destination modems.

The μ-law and A-law vertex curves are determined by simulating thecommunication channel combinations if the destination modem detects thereceived signals as being either A-law encoded or μ-law encoded. Forexample, for detecting A-law line encoding at the destination modem withan A-law vertex curve, simulations for A-law to A-law, A-law to μ-law toA-law, μ-law to A-law, and μ-law to A-law to μ-law to A-law networks maybe measured. Similarly, for detecting μ-law line encoding at thedestination modem with a μ-law vertex curve, simulations for A-law toμ-law, A-law to μ-law to A-law to μ-law, μ-law to μ-law, and μ-law toA-law to μ-law networks may be measured. In addition, such simulationsmay account for RBS added to the communication channel, as well asdifferent levels of line attenuation. The μ-law and A-law vertex curvesare plotted by plotting the maximum and minimum received values of thesimulations for each transmitted index value (PCM test level).

Referring to FIG. 4, the set of PCM test levels n0 through nL may bedetermined from the graph of μ-law and A-law vertex curves versus indexvalue. Index value n0 may be an index value that generates a valuecommon to both μ-law and A-law vertex curves (i.e., the vertex curvesoverlap), and the remaining PCM test levels are selected as input samplevalues for which the areas of the μ-law and A-law vertex curves do notoverlap. A set of normalized threshold values s1 through sL are definedfor a threshold vector St, St={s1, s2, . . . sL}. The set of thresholdvalues may be the values between the μ-law and A-law vertex curves forthe set of PCM test levels n1 through nL, which values are thennormalized. Selecting values between the μ-law and A-law vertex curvesmay be, for example, yai_(max)≦Si≦yui_(min), although other methods,such as the mean or median values between the vertex curves, may also beemployed to select the threshold vector. Since PCM test level n0 is theinput sample value that may generate a common value for both μ-law andA-law curves, a receiver may employ the received signal value x0corresponding to PCM test level n0 to normalize other received PCM testlevels x1 through xL. The normalized values, denoted y1 through yL, maythen be compared to corresponding normalized threshold values s1 throughsL to detect whether μ-law encoding or A-law encoding is used.

As in the first implementation, modems operating in accordance with thesecond implementation may exchange information about detected lineencoding at corresponding ends of the communication channel to detectencoding conversion. However, for a situation with intermediate encodingconversion (e.g., A-law to μ-law and back to A-law) simply exchanginginformation about detected line encoding at corresponding ends of thecommunication channel will not identify the presence of intermediateencoding conversion. In addition, a PCM test level K may be selected forone of the values n1-nL for detection of intermediate encodingconversion. The PCM test level K may have sufficient amplitude such thata destination modem, once the line encoding is detected, may compare thecorresponding normalized receive level to a decision metric (a decisionthreshold value) to detect encoding conversion. The decision metric maybe based on a priori knowledge of the median value between the energy ofthe PCM test level K transmitted with the detected line encoding and theenergy of the PCM test level K transmitted with encoding conversion tothe detected line encoding. A confidence level for the decision metricmay be determined based on the simulations of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary method of determining encoding and encodingconversion for the second implementation. First, at step 501 the sourcemodem transmits the set of PCM test levels n0 through nL through thecommunication channel (e.g., over one or more telecommunicationnetworks) to a destination modem. At step 502 the destination modemreceives the transmitted set of PCM test levels as received levels x0through xL. At step 503 the destination modem forms the set ofnormalized receive levels y1 through yL, where yi is xi/x0 and 1≦i≦L.The set of normalized receive levels y1 through yL forms a measurevector Ym, where Ym is {y1, y2, . . . , yL}.

At step 504, the distance between the measured vector Ym and thresholdvector St is calculated. For the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5, thedistance is a measure of whether the measure vector Ym is closer to theμ-law vertex curve or the A-law vertex curve based on the thresholdvector St. Such distance may be calculated as a vector difference,though other distance calculations (e.g., sum of the squares) might alsobe employed. At step 505 a test determines which of the A-law and μ-lawvertex curves is closer in distance to the measured vector Ym. If thetest of step 505 determines that the measured vector Ym is closer to theA-law vertex curve, then A-law encoding is detected; otherwise, themeasured vector Ym is closer to the μ-law vertex curve and μ-lawencoding is detected.

For a third implementation, for a case where the transmissioncharacteristics are not accurately simulated and measured for allpossible combinations to generate the graph shown in FIG. 4, a method ofenergy detection may be employed. The method of energy detection allowsfor approximate detection of μ-law encoding or A-law encoding when oneor more additional line impairments are present in the communicationchannel but a priori information of the network for accurate simulationis not available. As is illustrated in FIG. 4, the A-law and μ-lawvertex curves are separated (i.e., the vertex curves do not overlap)above a reference input sample. The separation of the vertex curvescorresponds to greater energy under the μ-law vertex curve than theenergy under the A-law vertex curve for values greater than n0, and thesimulation information of FIG. 4 may be employed to design a method ofdetection using an estimate of the difference in energy.

As with the second implementation, index value n0 is an input signallevel that may be generate an encoded value common to both μ-law andA-law vertex curves. However, for the third implementation, the indexvalue n0 is estimated based on curves similar to those of FIG. 4generated with simulations of a much wider variety of network conditionsbecause the transmission characteristics of the communication channelare generally not known. The remaining PCM test levels n1-nL areselected as index values for which the areas of the μ-law and A-lawvertex curves of FIG. 4 are estimated as being most unlikely to overlapfor widely varying, added distortion. Since such estimated PCM testlevels may be related to those input sample values corresponding to thegreatest difference in total energy under the curve between the μ-lawand A-law vertex curves, an energy threshold Pt (i.e., a priori totalsignal energy) may be determined. Measured sample energy above theenergy threshold Pt indicates that μ-law line encoding is present, whilemeasured sample energy below the energy threshold Pt indicates thatA-law line encoding is present. Such energy threshold Pt may be relatedto a sum of the energy levels under the corresponding curves for each ofthe PCM test levels n1-nL.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method of determining μ-law or A-law lineencoding for the third implementation. First, at step 601, the sourcemodem transmits the set of PCM test levels n0 through nL through thecommunication channel (e.g., over one or more telecommunicationnetworks) to a destination modem. At step 602, the destination modemreceives the transmitted set of PCM test levels as received levels x0through xL. At step 603, the destination modem forms the set ofnormalized receive levels y1 through yL, where yi is xi/x0 and 1≦i≦L.

At step 604, the total power Pt is calculated as sum of the squares ofthe set of normalized receive levels y1 through yL, (i.e., Pt is sum ofthe powers of the test levels and is {y1 ²+y2 ²+ . . . +yL²}. At testdetermines which of the A-law and μ-law vertex curves is above or belowthe energy threshold Pt. If the test of step 605 determines that Pav isgreater than the energy threshold Pt, then μ-law line encoding isdetected, but if the test of step 605 determines that Pav is less thanthe energy threshold Pt, then A-law line encoding is detected.

Modems operating in accordance with certain implementations of thepresent invention may separately detect signal attenuation/distortioncaused by line impedance of, for example, analog lines 106 and 107 ofFIG. 1. Signal attenuation/distortion may also result fromanalog-to-digital (A/D) conversion of the modem's analog signal (e.g.,distortion added by, e.g., by codec 103) and digital-to analog (D/A)conversion to reconstruct the analog signal (e.g., sampling distortionadded by, e.g., codec 105). For example, a ratio of the knowntransmitted PCM test level n0 of the transmit modem (i.e., the a priorisignal level) with the received signal level (at the receive modem) maybe computed to obtain a value having minimal encoding and encodingConversion distortion. The PCM test level is selected so that thequantizing levels between the different encoding types (compandingfunctions) are either the same or add no distortion when mapped betweenthe different encoding types. The average of the ratios over severalconsecutive T1 frames may then be used as a measure of the signal loss(Aloss), several consecutive T1 frames being measured to reduce effectsof superimposed information channels. A pair of source and destinationmodems may then adjust transmission characteristics to compensate forthe detected line impairments. Such techniques for line impairmentdetection and compensation are described in, for example, U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/296,516, filed Apr. 22, 1999, the teachings ofwhich are also incorporated herein by reference.

A modem operating in accordance with one or more implementations of thepresent invention may also separately detect the presence or absence ofa separate, superimposed information channel, such as an RBS channel. Apair of source and destination modems may adjust transmitted andreceived signal levels (e.g., the modem's transmit constellation) toaccount for the presence of the detected information channel. While thefollowing describes detection of RBS, one skilled in the art may readilyextend the teachings herein to other types of superimposed, informationchannels.

For separate detection of RBS, the set of PCM test levels, such as thoseselected to determine line encoding and/or encoding conversion of thefirst, second, and third implementations is passed through thecommunication channel from the source modem to the destination modem.PCM test levels may be generally degraded by RBS signaling bits if RBSsignaling is present in the channel. For RBS detection, the destinationmodem reconstructs the encoding sample values (i.e., A-law or μ-lawlevels) from the received signal. The encoding sample values correspondto the PCM line μ-law or A-law encoded PCM test levels transmittedthrough the communication channel. For each PCM test level, the encodingsample values of a received PCM test level are examined to detectmodified values that may correspond to RBS bits set within particularframes. For example, the source modem may transmit the set of PCM testlevels with a period substantially equivalent to the period of the RBSframes in a T1 frame. For some RBS systems, every sixth frame maycontain RBS information. For a T1 superframe line format, the period ofthe RBS information channel corresponds to 24 frames of information(i.e., 24 consecutive samples). Detection of RBS by the destinationmodem is based on examining the distortion of reconstructed encodingsample values in several consecutive sequences of the T1 (e.g., todetect distortion of reconstructed encoding sample values correspondingto every sixth T1 frame).

A T1 frame includes a single encoded sample for each channel. However, aPCM test level is an analog signal that is sampled (such as either a DCor a sinusoidal carrier having fixed amplitude), and so is representedby a sequence of encoded samples. Consequently, it requires a sequenceof T1 frames to transmit the encoded samples representing one PCM testlevel. For the following description, a modem transmits a PCM test levelover a sequence of frames, and several sequences of frames are requiredto transmit the set of PCM test levels. In addition, since an RBSchannel uses twelve or twenty-four T1 frames as a period of theinformation channel, the sequence of frames for a PCM test levelpreferably spans several periods of the RBS channel.

FIG. 7 shows a flowchart for a method of detection of RBS as may beemployed with the present invention. At step 701, the source modemtransmits a set of PCM test levels n0-nL generated such as describedpreviously with respect to FIGS. 2-6, each PCM test level is transmittedwith a duration that ensures encoded samples are generated over severalsequences of frames. Such duration is related to the period of the RBSinformation channel. Each PCM test level repeats with a periodcorresponding to the period of the RBS information channel (i.e., theperiod of the frames including an RBS information channel). At step 702,the destination modem receives the set of signals x0-xL corresponding tothe set of PCM test levels n0-nL for each sequence of frames, and formsthe set of normalized receive levels y1 through yL, where yi is xi/x0and 1≦i≦L. At step 703, the destination modem detects line encoding(e.g., A-law or μ-law line encoding) and/or encoding conversion (e.g.,A-law to μ-law conversion) as described previously for the first,second, and third implementations. At step 704, the destination modemdetects line attenuation from the received test levels as describedpreviously and calculates the average loss ALoss, and the inverse ofALoss (AGain, i.e., AGain=(1/ALoss)).

At step 705, normalized receive test levels y1 through yL are 1)adjusted by AGain to compensate for the line attenuation, if present(i.e., y1 _(adj) is y1*AGain, y2 _(adj) is y2*AGain, . . . , yL_(adj) isyL*AGain) and 2) may also be adjusted for the encoding conversion tocompensate for quantization noise. At step 706, the normalized receivetest levels adjusted in step 705 are then quantized (i.e., digitallysampled in accordance with the companding law definition of the detectedcodec) into encoding sample values in accordance with the detectedencoding or encoding conversion of step 703. For example, a slicer tablemay be employed with entries corresponding to μ-law quantizing levels(encoding sample values), if A-law encoding is detected in step 703.When using a slicer table, the value of y1 _(adj), for example, iscompared to each slicer table entry and assigned the value of the slicertable that is closest to y1 _(adj). Entries of the slicer table may befurther modified to account for encoding conversion to μ-law quantizinglevels, with such entries used if encoding conversion is detectedbetween the source and destination modems.

At step 707, the sequence of samples for each of the quantized, adjustedlevels of step 706 is packed into a sample test group. The sequence ofsamples in each sample test group correspond to encoded samples of thesame PCM test level, and may be samples of several, separately receivedsignals over several T1 frames that each correspond to the same PCM testlevel. Consequently, one sample test group for each of the set of PCMtest levels may be formed. At step 708, one of the sample test groups isselected.

At step 709, a test determines whether all samples of the test groupselected in step 708 correspond to the same encoded sample value. If allsamples are the same value, then no decision for RBS presence or absenceis made for that test group. Otherwise, if one or more samples aredifferent, then a tentative decision that RBS is present is made for thetest group. At step 710, a test determines if all sample test groupswere examined. If the test of 710 determines that other sample testgroups remain to be examined, the method returns to step 709 and anothersample test group is selected. If the test of 710 determines that allsample test groups are examined, at step 711 a decision is made as towhether RBS (or other information channel) is detected. The decision maybe based on how many of the sample test groups have associated tentativedecisions that RBS is present, or other statistical methods may beemployed to make the decision. For example, since RBS changes the leastsignificant bits of a sample, one may specify which samples for each ofthe quantized, adjusted levels may be effected. Confidence in RBSdetection may be improved if a majority of the tentative decisionscorrespond to the specified samples. In addition, if all samples are thesame for each sample test group, or different samples in sample testgroups appear randomly between sample test groups, then the decisionshould be that the superimposed RBS information channel is absent.

Modems operating in accordance with certain implementations of thepresent invention may employ a method of constellation adjustment tocorrect for distortion resulting from network transmissioncharacteristics, such as line encoding, encoding conversion, RBS, orline attenuation. As is known in the art, a modem constellationcomprises analog carrier signals representing binary symbols, such asbinary or quadrature phase-shift keyed symbols. The constellation may begenerated by a modem by reading a sequence of digital values from alook-up table corresponding to amplitude levels of the analogconstellation for a symbol. For a given, detected encoding conversionduring the training phase, two constellations are employed, one for thesource modem and one for the destination modem. For constellationadjustment, each modem first detects encoding, encoding conversion, RBS,and other line impairments using a set of PCM test levels during theirrespective training phases, such as described previously. Thedestination modem then adjusts the digital values stored in the look-uptable used to generate its transmit constellation. The transmitconstellation is employed for communication (data transmission) with thesource modem based on the detected line encoding, encoding conversion,RBS, and/or other line impairments. The transceivers may also exchangeinformation as to their respective detected line encoding, encodingconversion, RBS, and other line impairments.

FIG. 8 shows a modem transmit constellation that may be adjusted inaccordance with an exemplary implementation of the present invention.The constellation of FIG. 8 comprises 16 points, with each pointcorresponding to one of 16 binary data values transmitted by the modem.Each of the black circles represents a symbol that may be formed byin-phase (e.g. cos {overscore (ω)}t) carrier signal and aquadrature-phase (e.g. sin {overscore (ω)}t) carrier signal with acorresponding amplitude (e.g., ±A and ±B). For example, constellationpoint 801 may be formed as A cos ({overscore (ω)}t)+A sin ({overscore(ω)}t). As is known in the art, constellation points map to symbols,which for point 801 is the binary symbol (010). When transmitted througha channel, distortion added to the signal A cos ({overscore (ω)}t)+A sin({overscore (ω)}t) yields the signal C cos ({overscore (ω)}t)+D sin({overscore (ω)}t) (i.e., the magnitude A is increased to magnitude C inthe in-phase component and the magnitude A is increased to magnitude Din the quadrature-phase component). Distortion added to the signal A cos({overscore (ω)}t)+A sin ({overscore (ω)}t) results in point 801 movingto a new point, shown as circle 802. All points of the constellation maybe affected, such as point 803 (representing symbol 011) moving to point804.

A modem may form the constellation shown in FIG. 8 as follows. The modemincludes a table of, for example, 64 binary values corresponding to 16equally spaced signal points of the carrier signal cos ({overscore(ω)}t). By sequentially reading table values from the table to adigital-to-analog converter (D/A) during a predefined interval, theoutput signal of the D/A corresponds to the signal cos ({overscore(ω)}t). By starting to read table values by an offset of addresseswithin the table, the carrier signal sin ({overscore (ω)}t) may beformed (e.g, starting with the 5th table value). To form a constellationpoint, the first table value for cos ({overscore (ω)}t) is retrieved andmultiplied by a constant (such as a constant A for point 801), and theoffset address table value for sin ({overscore (ω)}t) is retrieved andmultiplied by a constant (such as a constant A for point 801). Theresults are combined to form a binary representation of a signal levelof the resulting constellation point signal A cos ({overscore (ω)}t)+Asin ({overscore (ω)}t). Subsequent signal levels of the resultingconstellation point signal are similarly formed as the modemsequentially reads out table values for in-phase and quadrature phasesignal components during the predefined interval. Alternatively, asingle, larger table may be formed with each entry of the table being abinary representation of a signal level of a constellation point. Theresulting sequence of values (i.e., a sequence of signal levels) isprovided to the D/A to generate the analog output signal of the modem.

When a modem has a priori knowledge that, for example, constellationpoint 801 may be moved to point 802 by distortion, the modem may correctfor the distortion by adjusting the modem constellation signal. Forexample, subtracting (C-A) from the constant A of the in-phase componentand subtracting (D-A) from the constant A of the quadrature componentcompensates for the distortion that moves point 801 to point 802. AsConsequently, a modem may form a table of values that are used to adjustthe constants (e.g., constants A and B) of the in-phase and quadraturephase components.

FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of modem constellation adjustment for encodingconversion, line impairments, and superimposed information channelsdetected in accordance with the methods of FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 7. At step901, the source modem transmits the set of PCM test levels using thesource modem Constellation. The source modem constellation is based onthe line encoding detected by the source modem either by a prioriprovisioning or from a set of PCM test levels it receives from anothermodem. At step 902, he destination modem detects line encoding based onthe transmitted set of PCM test levels from the source modem andgenerates a distortion table for the detected conversion between thesource and destination modems e.g., a table of reversed, encodingconversion values). At step 903, the destination modem detects analogand digital loss impairments based on the transmitted set of PCM testlevels, and the destination modem generates a digital loss table (e.g.,a table of inverse loss values). At step 904, the destination modemdetects RBS, and/or other superimposed information channels based on thetransmitted set of PCM test levels, and generates an RBS impairmenttable. At step 905, the destination modem designs a transmitconstellation using the distortion, digital loss, and RBS impairmenttables to adjust the constellation levels designed for the detected lineencoding of the destination modem transmitting to the source modem.

The present invention can be embodied in the form of methods andapparatuses for practicing those methods. The present invention can alsobe embodied in the form of program code embodied in tangible media, suchas floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other machine-readablestorage medium, wherein, when the program code is loaded into andexecuted by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes anapparatus for practicing the invention. The present invention can alsobe embodied in the form of program code, for example, whether stored ina storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a machine, ortransmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electricalwiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagneticradiation, wherein, when the program code is loaded into and executed bya machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus forpracticing the invention. When implemented on a general-purposeprocessor, the program code segments combine with the processor toprovide a unique device that operates analogously to specific logiccircuits.

It will be further understood that various changes in the details,materials, and arrangements of the parts which have been described andillustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention may be madeby those skilled in the art without departing from the principle andscope of the invention as expressed in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. For a signal processing application, a method ofdetecting a superimposed information channel in a signal, the signaltransmitted through a telecommunication channel as encoded samples andsubjected to one or more of a plurality of line encoding algorithms, themethod comprising the steps of: (a) detecting the one or more lineencoding algorithms based on a set of test levels based on a decisionmetric, wherein each of the plurality of encoding algorithms encodes oneof the set of test levels to generate a substantially equivalent value,the one test level employed to normalize the remaining test levels forcomparison; (b) reconstructing the encoded samples for the set of testlevels in accordance with the one or more detected line encodingalgorithms, the encoded samples for each of the set of test levelspacked into a corresponding sample cell; (c) comparing the encodedsamples in a sample cell with one another to form a tentative decisionof the sample cell for the presence or absence of the superimposedinformation channel; and (d) comparing each tentative decision fordifferent sample cells to detect the presence or absence of thesuperimposed information channel.
 2. The invention as recited in claim1, further comprising the step of (e) compensating for distortion of thesignal based on the detected presence of the superimposed informationchannel.
 3. The invention as recited in claim 2, wherein step (a)further comprises the steps of i) detecting the presence or absence ofencoding conversion between two or more of the plurality of lineencoding algorithms in the communication channel, and step (d) furthercomprises the step of compensating the signal for a distortion of thesignal based on the detected presence of encoding conversion.
 4. Theinvention as recited in claim 1, wherein the superimposed informationchannel is a robbed-bit signaling channel, and, for step (b), samplesare packed for each test level corresponding to several periods of therobbed-bit signaling channel.
 5. The invention as recited in claim 1,wherein step (a) comprises the steps of: (a1) generating the signalcomprising the set of test levels, wherein each of the test levels isselected based on the relative difference between each of the pluralityof encoding algorithms when encoding the test level; and (a2) comparinga combination of each of the set of test levels transmitted through thecommunication channel to the decision metric, wherein the decisionmetric is based on a measure of the difference between one or more ofthe set of test levels prior to being transmitted through thecommunication channel to the corresponding one or more of the set oftest levels after the signal is transmitted through the communicationchannel, the one or more of the set of test levels prior to and afterbeing transmitted through the communication channel being normalizedwith the one test level for the comparison of step (a2); and (a3)detecting the line encoding according to one of a plurality of encodingalgorithms based on the comparison of the combination with the decisionmetric.
 6. The invention as recited in claim 5, further comprising thestep of generating a received test level vector from the set of testlevels after the signal is transmitted through the communicationchannel; and wherein the decision metric of step (a2) is either i) anerror measure representing a distance between the received test levelvector and the ideal test level vector for each of the plurality ofencoding algorithms; or ii) a power error measure representing adifference between the energy of the received test level vector and theenergy of the ideal test level vector for each of the plurality ofencoding algorithms.
 7. The invention as recited in claim 5, wherein oneideal test level vector is generated by encoding each of the set of testlevels with a pulse code modulation (PCM) with A-law compandingalgorithm, and another ideal test level vector is generated by encodingeach of the set of test levels with a PCM with μ-law compandingalgorithm.
 8. The invention as recited in claim 5, wherein eachamplitude of the set of test levels is varied in accordance withsimulated transmission characteristics of the communication channel suchthat the ideal test level vector generated by encoding each varying oneof the set of test levels with the pulse code modulation (PCM) withA-law companding algorithm and with the PCM with μ-law compandingalgorithm defines corresponding vertex curve.
 9. The invention asrecited in claim 8, wherein the simulated transmission characteristicscomprise superimposed information channels, digital conversionimpairments, and analog line impairments.
 10. The invention as recitedin claim 1, wherein, for step (b), the plurality of encoding algorithmsare a pulse code modulation (PCM) with A-law companding and a PCM withμ-law companding.
 11. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein themethod is implemented by a processor in an integrated circuit.
 12. Theinvention as recited in claim 1, wherein the signal is transmitted by asource through the telecommunication channel and to a destination modemand wherein: step (a) further comprises the steps of identifyingencoding conversion compensation values based on the set of test levels;step (d) further comprises the step of identifying channel compensationvalues based on the detected presence or absence of the superimposedinformation channel; and wherein the method further comprises the stepsof: (e) detecting a line attenuation of the signal; (f) identifying gaincompensation values based on the detected line attenuation; and (g)adjusting a constellation of the destination modem based on one or moreof the encoding conversion, channel compensation, and gain compensationvalues to the source modem.
 13. The invention as recited in claim 12,further comprising the steps of transmitting, by the destination modem,one or more of the encoding conversion, channel compensation, and gaincompensation values to the source modem and adjusting, by the sourcemodem, a constellation of the source modem based on one or more of theencoding conversion, channel compensation, and gain compensation values.14. For a signal processing application, a circuit for detecting asuperimposed information channel in a signal, the signal transmittedthrough a telecommunication channel as encoded samples and subjected toone or more of a plurality of line encoding algorithms, comprising: adetector adapted to detect the one or more line encoding algorithmsbased on a set of test levels, wherein the encoded samples for the setof test levels are reconstructed in accordance with the one or moredetected line encoding algorithms based on a decision metric, whereineach of the plurality of encoding algorithms encodes one of the set oftest levels to generate a substantially equivalent value, the one testlevel employed to normalize the remaining test levels for comparison,the encoded samples for each of the set of test levels packed into acorresponding sample cell; and a comparator adapted to compare: (1) theencoded samples in a sample cell with one another to form a tentativedecision of the sample cell for the presence or absence of thesuperimposed information channel; and (2) each tentative decision fordifferent sample cells to detect the presence or absence of thesuperimposed information channel.
 15. The invention as recited in claim14, wherein the circuit compensates for distortion of the signal basedon the detected presence of the superimposed information channel. 16.The invention as recited in claim 15, wherein the detector i) detectsthe presence or absence of encoding conversion between two or more ofthe plurality of line encoding algorithms in the communication channel,and the circuit compensates for distortion of the signal based on thedetected presence of encoding conversion.
 17. The invention as recitedin claim 14, wherein the superimposed information channel is arobbed-bit signaling channel, and the samples are packed for each testlevel corresponding to several periods of the robbed-bit signalingchannel.
 18. The invention as recited in claim 14, wherein: i) each ofthe test levels is selected based on the relative difference betweeneach of the plurality of encoding algorithms when encoding the testlevel; ii) the comparator compares a combination of each of the set oftest levels transmitted through the communication channel to a decisionmetric, wherein the decision metric is based on a measure of thedifference between one or more of the set of test levels prior to beingtransmitted through the communication channel to the corresponding oneor more of the set of test levels after the signal is transmittedthrough the communication channel, the one or more of the set of testlevels prior to and after being transmitted through the communicationchannel being normalized for the comparison by the comparator; and iii)the detector detects the line encoding according to one of a pluralityof encoding algorithms based on the comparison of the combination withthe decision metric.
 19. The invention as recited in claim 18, whereinthe circuit generates a received test level vector from the set of testlevels after the signal is transmitted through the communicationchannel; and wherein the decision metric is either i) an error measurerepresenting a distance between the received test level vector and anideal test level vector for each of the plurality of encodingalgorithms; or ii) a power error measure representing a differencebetween the energy of the received test level vector and the energy ofthe ideal test level vector for each of the plurality of encodingalgorithms.
 20. The invention as recited in claim 18, wherein one idealtest level vector is generated by encoding each of the set of testlevels with a pulse code modulation (PCM) with A-law compandingalgorithm, and another ideal test level vector is generated by encodingeach of the set of test levels with a PCM with μ-law compandingalgorithm.
 21. The invention as recited in claim 18, wherein eachamplitude of the set of test levels is varied in accordance withsimulated transmission characteristics of the communication channel suchthat the ideal test level vector generated by encoding each varying oneof the set of test levels with the pulse code modulation (PCM) withA-law companding algorithm and with the PCM with μ-law compandingalgorithm defines corresponding vertex curve.
 22. The invention asrecited in claim 21, wherein the simulated transmission characteristicscomprise superimposed information channels, digital conversionimpairments, and analog line impairments.
 23. The invention as recitedin claim 14, wherein the plurality of encoding algorithms are a pulsecode modulation (PCM) with A-law companding and a PCM with μ-lawcompanding.
 24. The invention as recited in claim 14, wherein thecircuit is embodied in an integrated circuit.
 25. The invention asrecited in claim 14, wherein the signal is transmitted by a sourcethrough the telecommunication channel and to a destination modem, andwherein: the detector is further adapted to i) identify encodingconversion compensation values based on the set of test levels, ii)detect a line attenuation of the signal, and iii) identify gaincompensation values based on the detected line attenuation; and thecomparator is further adapted to identify channel compensation valuesbased on the detected presence or absence of the superimposedinformation channel; and the destination modem is adapted to adjust aconstellation of the destination modem based on one or more of theencoding conversion, channel compensation, and gain compensation values.26. The invention as recited in claim 25, wherein the destination modemis adapted to transmit one or more of the encoding conversion, channelcompensation, and gain compensation values to the source modem; and thesource modem is adapted to adjust a constellation of the source modembased on one or more of the encoding conversion, channel compensation,and gain compensation values.
 27. A computer-readable medium havingstored thereon a plurality of instructions, the plurality ofinstructions including instructions which, when executed by a processor,cause the processor to implement a method of detecting a superimposedinformation channel in a signal, the signal transmitted through atelecommunication channel as encoded samples and subjected to one ormore of a plurality of line encoding algorithms, the method comprisingthe steps of: (a) detecting the one or more line encoding algorithmsbased on a set of test levels based on a decision metric, wherein eachof the plurality of encoding algorithms encodes one of the set of testlevels to generate a substantially equivalent value, the one test levelemployed to normalize the remaining test levels for comparison; (b)reconstructing the encoded samples for the set of test levels inaccordance with the one or more detected line encoding algorithms, theencoded samples for each of the set of test levels packed into acorresponding sample cell; (c) comparing the encoded samples in a samplecell with one another to form a tentative decision of the sample cellfor the presence or absence of the superimposed information channel; and(d) comparing each tentative decision for different sample cells todetect the presence or absence of the superimposed information channel.28. The invention as recited in claim 27, further comprising the step of(e) compensating for distortion of the signal based on the detectedpresence of the superimposed information channel.
 29. The invention asrecited in claim 28, wherein step (a) further comprises the steps of i)detecting the presence or absence of encoding conversion between two ormore of the plurality of line encoding algorithms in the communicationchannel, and step (d) further comprises the step of compensating thesignal for a distortion of the signal based on the detected presence ofencoding conversion.
 30. The invention as recited in claim 27, whereinthe superimposed information channel is a robbed-bit signaling channel,and, for step (b), samples are packed for each test level correspondingto several periods of the robbed-bit signaling channel.
 31. Theinvention as recited in claim 27, wherein step (a) comprises the stepsof: (a1) generating the signal comprising the set of test levels,wherein each of the test levels is selected based on the relativedifference between each of the plurality of encoding algorithms whenencoding the test level; and (a2) comparing a combination of each of theset of test levels transmitted through the communication channel to adecision metric, wherein the decision metric is based on a measure ofthe difference between one or more of the set of test levels prior tobeing transmitted through the communication channel to the correspondingone or more of the set of test levels after the signal is transmittedthrough the communication channel, the one or more of the set of testlevels prior to and after being transmitted through the communicationchannel being normalized with the one test level for the comparison ofstep (a2); and (a3) detecting the line encoding according to one of aplurality of encoding algorithms based on the comparison of thecombination with the decision metric.
 32. The invention as recited inclaim 31, further comprising the step of generating a received testlevel vector from the set of test levels after the signal is transmittedthrough the communication channel; and wherein the decision metric ofstep (a2) is either i) an error measure representing a distance betweenthe received test level vector and the ideal test level vector for eachof the plurality of encoding algorithms; or ii) a power error measurerepresenting a difference between the energy of the received test levelvector and the energy of the ideal test level vector for each of theplurality of encoding algorithms.
 33. The invention as recited in claim31, wherein one ideal test level vector is generated by encoding each ofthe set of test levels with a pulse code modulation (PCM) with A-lawcompanding algorithm, and another ideal test level vector is generatedby encoding each of the set of test levels with a PCM with μ-lawcompanding algorithm.
 34. The invention as recited in claim 31, whereineach amplitude of the set of test levels is varied in accordance withsimulated transmission characteristics of the communication channel suchthat the ideal test level vector generated by encoding each varying oneof the set of test levels with the pulse code modulation (PCM) withA-law companding algorithm and with the PCM with μ-law compandingalgorithm defines corresponding vertex curve.
 35. For a signalprocessing application, a method of detecting a superimposed informationchannel in a signal, the signal transmitted through a telecommunicationchannel as encoded samples and subjected to one or more of a pluralityof line encoding algorithms, the method comprising the steps of: (a)detecting the one or more line encoding algorithms based on a set oftest levels, wherein step (a) comprises the steps of: (a1) generatingthe signal comprising a set of test levels, wherein each of the testlevels is selected based on the relative difference between each of theplurality of encoding algorithms when encoding the test level, and eachof the plurality of encoding algorithms encodes one of the set of testlevels to generate a substantially equivalent value; (a2) comparing acombination of each of the set of test levels transmitted through thecommunication channel to a decision metric, wherein the decision metricis based on a measure of the difference between one or more of the setof test levels prior to being transmitted through the communicationchannel to the corresponding one or more of the set of test levels afterthe signal is transmitted through the communication channel, the onetest level employed to normalize the remaining test levels for thecomparison, wherein each amplitude of the set of test levels is variedin accordance with simulated transmission characteristics of thecommunication channel such that the ideal test level vector generated byencoding each varying one of the set of test levels with the pulse codemodulation (PCM) with A-law companding algorithm and with the PCM withμ-law companding algorithm defines corresponding vertex curve; and (a3)detecting the line encoding according to one of a plurality of encodingalgorithms based on the comparison of the combination with the decisionmetric; (b) reconstructing the encoded samples for the set of testlevels in accordance with the one or more detected line encodingalgorithms, the encoded samples for each of the set of test levelspacked into a corresponding sample cell; (c) comparing the encodedsamples in a sample cell with one another to form a tentative decisionof the sample cell for the presence or absence of the superimposedinformation channel; and (d) comparing each tentative decision fordifferent sample cells to detect the presence or absence of thesuperimposed information channel.
 36. The invention as recited in claim35, wherein the simulated transmission characteristics comprisesuperimposed information channels, digital conversion impairments, andanalog line impairments.
 37. For a signal processing application, acircuit for detecting a superimposed information channel in a signal,the signal transmitted through a telecommunication channel as encodedsamples and subjected to one or more of a plurality of line encodingalgorithms, comprising: a detector for detecting the one or more lineencoding algorithms based on a set of test levels, wherein the encodedsamples for the set of test levels are reconstructed in accordance withthe one or more detected line encoding algorithms, the encoded samplesfor each of the set of test levels packed into a corresponding samplecell, a comparator comparing: (1) the encoded samples in a sample cellwith one another to form a tentative decision of the sample cell for thepresence or absence of the superimposed information channel; and (2)each tentative decision for different sample cells to detect thepresence or absence of the superimposed information channel,  wherein:i) each of the test levels is selected based on the relative differencebetween each of the plurality of encoding algorithms when encoding thetest level, and each of the plurality of encoding algorithms encodes oneof the set of test levels to generate a substantially equivalent value;ii) the comparator compares a combination of each of the set of testlevels transmitted through the communication channel to a decisionmetric, wherein the decision metric is based on a measure of thedifference between one or more of the set of test levels prior to beingtransmitted through the communication channel to the corresponding oneor more of the set of test levels after the signal is transmittedthrough the communication channel, the one test level employed tonormalize the remaining test levels for the comparison; and iii) thedetector detects the line encoding according to one of a plurality ofencoding algorithms based on the comparison of the combination with thedecision metric, wherein each amplitude of the set of test levels isvaried in accordance with simulated transmission characteristics of thecommunication channel such that the ideal test level vector generated byencoding each varying one of the set of test levels with the pulse codemodulation (PCM) with A-law companding algorithm and with the PCM withμ-law companding algorithm defines corresponding vertex curve.
 38. Theinvention as recited in claim 37, wherein the simulated transmissioncharacteristics comprise superimposed information channels, digitalconversion impairments, and analog line impairments.